Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a cathode of an X-ray imaging system. A method for fabricating the cathode comprises machining a plurality of focusing features on a focusing element and welding the focusing element to a base assembly.

Abstract: An actuating arrangement for a transmission includes a pivotable pawl (14) and a rotatable shift drum (10). By rotating in a first rotational direction from a first into a second angular position, the shift drum (10) is configured to push the pawl (14) with the actuating surface (20) out of an engaged position into a released position and by rotating in the second rotational direction from the second into the first angular position to enable the pawl (14) to drop out of the released position into the engaged position. The actuating arrangement includes an actuating device (30) configured to adjust the pawl (14) out of the released position into the engaged position. The pawl (14) is adjusted by the actuating device (30) out of the released position into the engaged position only in a third angular position of the shift drum (10) between the first and the second angular position.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for an X-ray tube cathode focusing element. In one example, a focusing element is configured with a first side positioned adjacent to an electrode plate. An insulator having a first side is positioned adjacent the electrode plate and a second, opposite side adjacent to a cathode base. The focusing element has at least three filaments of different sizes positioned in respective channels of different widths, where each of the at least three filaments are coupled to two current feedthroughs, each current feedthrough configured with a leg extending through a central, hollow space of the focusing element, the electrode plate, the insulator, and the cathode base.

Abstract: A system and methods for gathering, tensioning, and clamping a plurality of suture leads may be used for any of a range of possible surgical applications. The system includes a suture clamp assembly that includes receptacle and plug components, wherein suture leads passed into the receptacle are secured when the plug is inserted into the receptacle to lock the suture leads in place, a gathering suture that includes a gathering loop, an instrument for securement of the plurality of suture leads, and optionally an anchor affixed to the gathering suture. The system may be used to address rotator cuff repairs, labral repair, biceps tenodesis, acromioclavicular joint stabilization, and applications in other joints and bones within a body.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for an X-ray tube cathode focusing element. In one example, a focusing element is configured with three electron emission filaments, an integrated edge focusing, and a bias voltage. The integrated edge focusing may include a continuous single architecture with rounded edges, and a voltage of the focusing element may be negatively biased relative to a voltage of the electron emission filaments.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for an X-ray tube cathode focusing element. In one example, a focusing element is configured with three electron emission filaments, an integrated edge focusing, and a bias voltage. The integrated edge focusing may include a continuous single architecture with rounded edges, and a voltage of the focusing element may be negatively biased relative to a voltage of the electron emission filaments.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a cathode of an X-ray imaging system. A method for fabricating the cathode comprises machining a plurality of focusing features on a focusing element and welding the focusing element to a base assembly.

Abstract: A material deposition unit includes a radiation unit designed to emit electromagnetic radiation in a directed manner onto a workpiece along a beam axis, and a powder discharge device that has multiple powder discharge units configured to discharge powder in a directed form onto the workpiece through powder-outlet openings. The material deposition unit further includes a powder division unit having multiple powder channels. A number of powder channels corresponds to a number of powder discharge units. The powder division unit is designed to distribute a central powder stream guided to a feed channel uniformly over the powder channels. Each respective powder channel is connected to a respective powder discharge unit by an exchangeable connecting element. At least one powder discharge unit has an exchangeable powder discharge element, which is elongate, has a first end and a second end, and is arranged at least partially within the corresponding powder discharge unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for improving thermal management strategies of a cathode assembly of an X-ray tube. In one embodiment, an X-ray tube comprises an anode assembly and a cathode assembly, wherein the cathode assembly includes one or more elements that include an internal porous section for controlling a flow of heat within the cathode assembly during operation of the X-ray tube. In this way, heat conduction to temperature sensitive aspects of the cathode assembly may be reduced, while enabling sufficient heat transfer to other parts of the cathode assembly to minimize deformation.

Abstract: A system and methods for gathering, tensioning, and clamping a plurality of suture leads may be used for any of a range of possible surgical applications. The system includes a suture clamp assembly that includes receptacle and plug components, wherein suture leads passed into the receptacle are secured when the plug is inserted into the receptacle to lock the suture leads in place, a gathering suture that includes a gathering loop, an instrument for securement of the plurality of suture leads, and optionally an anchor affixed to the gathering suture. The system may be used to address rotator cuff repairs, labral repair, biceps tenodesis, acromioclavicular joint stabilization, and applications in other joints and bones within a body.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for improving thermal management strategies of a cathode assembly of an x-ray tube. In one embodiment, an x-ray tube comprises an anode assembly and a cathode assembly, wherein the cathode assembly includes one or more elements that include an internal porous section for controlling a flow of heat within the cathode assembly during operation of the x-ray tube. In this way, heat conduction to temperature sensitive aspects of the cathode assembly may be reduced, while enabling sufficient heat transfer to other parts of the cathode assembly to minimize deformation.

Abstract: A system and methods for gathering, tensioning, and clamping a plurality of suture leads may be used for any of a range of possible surgical applications. The system includes a suture clamp assembly that includes receptacle and plug components, wherein suture leads passed into the receptacle are secured when the plug is inserted into the receptacle to lock the suture leads in place, a gathering suture that includes a gathering loop, an instrument for securement of the plurality of suture leads, and optionally an anchor affixed to the gathering suture. The system may be used to address rotator cuff repairs, labral repair, biceps tenodesis, acromioclavicular joint stabilization, and applications in other joints and bones within a body.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for improving thermal management strategies of a cathode assembly of an x-ray tube. In one embodiment, an x-ray tube comprises an anode assembly and a cathode assembly, wherein the cathode assembly includes one or more elements that include an internal porous section for controlling a flow of heat within the cathode assembly during operation of the x-ray tube. In this way, heat conduction to temperature sensitive aspects of the cathode assembly may be reduced, while enabling sufficient heat transfer to other parts of the cathode assembly to minimize deformation.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an information system with at least one pattern generator having a plurality of light nodes, each light node including at least one light emitting element, such as an LED. The at least one pattern generator is positioned with regard to a user of the apparatus such that it is located in the peripheral view of the user. A controller is operatively coupled to the pattern generator and configured to selectively initiate the generation of a visual light pattern on the pattern generator, the visual light pattern being indicative of information which is to be provided to the user of the apparatus.

Abstract: A system and methods for gathering, tensioning, and clamping a plurality of suture leads may be used for any of a range of possible surgical applications. The system includes a suture clamp assembly that includes receptacle and plug components, wherein suture leads passed into the receptacle are secured when the plug is inserted into the receptacle to lock the suture leads in place, a gathering suture that includes a gathering loop, an instrument for securement of the plurality of suture leads, and optionally an anchor affixed to the gathering suture. The system may be used to address rotator cuff repairs, labral repair, biceps tenodesis, acromioclavicular joint stabilization, and applications in other joints and bones within a body.

Abstract: A bearing structure for an X-ray tube is provided that includes a journal bearing shaft with a radially protruding thrust bearing flange encased within a bearing housing or sleeve. The sleeve includes a thrust seal that is engaged with the sleeve in a manner to maintain coaxiality for the rotating liquid metal seal formed in the sleeve about the shaft. The shaft includes a central bore containing a cooling tube that directs coolant within the bore to maximize the heat transfer from the shaft to the coolant, allowing materials with lower thermal conductivities, such as steel, to be used to form the bearing shaft. The thrust flange on the shaft is formed with channel(s) therein that enable the coolant and/or the liquid metal to effect greater heat transfer on the components of the sleeve through the thrust flange, thereby reducing thermal deformation of the bearing components.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an information system with at least one pattern generator having a plurality of light nodes, each light node including at least one light emitting element, such as an LED. The at least one pattern generator is positioned with regard to a user of the apparatus such that it is located in the peripheral view of the user. A controller is operatively coupled to the pattern generator and configured to selectively initiate the generation of a visual light pattern on the pattern generator, the visual light pattern being indicative of information which is to be provided to the user of the apparatus.

Abstract: A bearing structure for an X-ray tube is provided that includes a journal bearing shaft with a radially protruding thrust bearing flange encased within a bearing housing or sleeve. The sleeve includes a thrust seal that is engaged with the sleeve in a manner to maintain coaxiality for the rotating liquid metal seal formed in the sleeve about the shaft. The shaft includes a central bore containing a cooling tube that directs coolant within the bore to maximize the heat transfer from the shaft to the coolant, allowing materials with lower thermal conductivities, such as steel, to be used to form the bearing shaft. The thrust flange on the shaft is formed with channel(s) therein that enable the coolant and/or the liquid metal to effect greater heat transfer on the components of the sleeve through the thrust flange, thereby reducing thermal deformation of the bearing components.

Abstract: A tapered optical waveguide includes a tapered waveguide section formed of a polymer. The tapered waveguide section has an optical fiber coupling end and a waveguide coupling end opposite the optical fiber coupling end with each of the optical fiber coupling end and the waveguide coupling end being generally planar. The optical fiber coupling end has a larger area than the waveguide coupling end to define a horizontal and vertical taper between the optical fiber coupling end and the waveguide coupling end. An optical system incorporating the tapered polymer waveguide is also disclosed.